May we re-think our bigoted opposition to migration, a fundamental human right

The people united can never be defeated! After blaming everyone but himself, Donald Trump finally signed an executive order which "ends" family separation, but makes no provision for family reunification. For thousands, the damage has been done and now those responsible for implementing this madness have to as avidly help put families back together...

I hope this moment causes all of us to re-think bigoted opposition to migration, a fundamental human right. Yes, nations may have borders to define their geographic identities. However, each human being has a right to choose his/her own place of residence. The right to travel is memorialized in decisions interpreting our own constitution and international law has recognized the same fundamental right. When you add to this the profound dislocations which so many from so many nation-states now face and the fact that there are more refugees now than at any time since World War II, the need for all of us to be more tolerant and accepting of those re-locating to our nation must be respected, not trammeled.

Of course, this says nothing about the profoundly positive and synergistic impact migration has had on our economy, the fact that many sectors of our economy, most particularly agriculture and hospitality, depend on "immigrant labor." in light of these legal, economic and moral arguments, it is not surprising that so many responded with so much revulsion to Mr. Trump's barbaric policy. We do not generally blame children for the "sins" of their parents.

I also believe now is the moment to end the suspended animation so many caught up in the DACA program experience, so many who have long lived here and contributed "illegally" feel...We need national immigration reform now.

For those more concerned about the rule of law than the fate of these real human beings, I would suggest the following: let's fix our immigration system, let's stop being so stingy in our quotas for those from specific countries and regions, let's embrace all who wish to come here. If anyone, once here, violates the law, s/he should face the consequences, but our immigration system has been so broken that I believe accepting those here makes more sense for many reasons than massive deportation and the profound uncertain our uneven enforcement practices have introduced into so many lives.

As always, I welcome and respect those with differing views and encourage all to write in and share your perspectives and life experiences.